Real-time teaching aid device for a board sport

ABSTRACT

Some embodiments are directed to a real-time teaching aid device for a board sport, such as surfing, intended for a person engaging in such a sport. The teaching aid device includes a set of sensors capable of measuring the position, the speeds, and the accelerations of a surf board in a Cartesian coordinate system associated with the board; the set of sensors being connected to a measured data processing unit for determining a deterministic dynamic behavior model of the surf board; at least one signal for providing, in real-time, information relating to the deterministic dynamic behavior model of the board to the person engaging in such a sport and/or to a third party. The invention also relates to a surf board having such a device.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a national phase filing under 35 C.F.R. § 371 of and claims priority to PCT Patent Application No. PCT/FR2017/051388, filed on Jun. 2, 2017, which claims the priority benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119 of French Patent Application No. 1655048, filed on Jun. 2, 2016, the contents of each of which are hereby incorporated in their entireties by reference.

BACKGROUND

Some embodiments relate to the field of board sports and more particularly to surfing and to the teaching of it.

The learning and perfecting of surfing takes place by training under the supervision of a trainer. The latter will watch the progress of the surfer and, as a function of the faults the trainer observes, will propose corrections to the surfer who will strive to have the correct attitude through a succession of trials and errors.

Usually, during a surfing course, the trainer must or should, from the beach, send information to the surfer regarding the action to be taken and the trainer does this by gestural or sound indications in order to guide the novice surfer.

In general, for novice surfers, the take off phase (“take off” being the English term) is one of the most difficult phases to learn and to master. It is the phase during which the surfer moves from a horizontal plane, during the paddling phase which is a starting phase, to a vertical plane during his engagement in the trough of a wave. It may therefore be necessary to choose the optimum time to carry out the take off. At present this optimum time is based on a subjective and random estimation of the speed of the board by the surfer and the trainer.

In the context of a surfing teaching course, it is very difficult for the novice surfers to estimate this optimum time and they have the tendency to take off too early or too late. The consequences of taking off too early or too late are sometimes a bad start on the wave slowing down the progression of the surfer on the wave and in most cases a fall which can prove to be dangerous because of a possible collision with the board.

The trainer must or should therefore send to the novice surfer a sound signal so that the surfer takes off at the correct time in order to guarantee the quality of the surfing. Thus, as long as the take off phase is not mastered by the surfer, it may be necessary for intervention by the trainer who cannot therefore insist on other technical aspects of the training. This learning phase often proves to be difficult, long, thankless and tedious.

SUMMARY

Some embodiments are therefore directed to facilitate this learning phase so that the novice surfer can very quickly be independent with regard to choosing the optimum time at which the surfer must or should take off as a function of the position, speeds and accelerations of the surf board.

Some embodiments relate to a real-time teaching aid device for a board sport such as surfing for a person engaging in such a sport, including:

-   -   a set of sensors adapted to measure the position, the speeds and         the accelerations of a surf board in a Cartesian coordinate         system associated with the board, the set of sensors being         connected to     -   a measured data processing unit for determining a deterministic         dynamic behavior model of the surf board;     -   at least one signal for providing, in real-time, information         relating to the deterministic dynamic behavior model of the         board to the surfer and/or to a third party.

Advantageously, the information relating to the behavior model relates to at least one action to be undertaken by the surfer, notably the optimum time for the surfer to start the take off phase.

As the novice surfer is able to train himself without an instructor for this take off phase in particular, the learning of this phase becomes faster and courses taken with a trainer are more optimized on the other techniques of this board sport.

Advantageously, the signaling device includes the following elements which can be used alone or in combination:

-   -   a sound signal, thus replacing the signal transmitted by the         trainer;     -   a light signal which can be seen by the surfer and/or by a third         party such as the trainer;     -   a screen adapted to display information relative to the dynamic         behavior of the surf board and which can be seen by the surfer.

Advantageously, the device can include a data storage unit connected to the set of sensors and to the data processing unit.

Advantageously, the device can also include a communicator which, depending on options usable alone or in combination, are adapted to:

-   -   transmit the signal received by at least one of the signals to a         third party such as the trainer;     -   allow access to the data stored in the storage unit, notably         making it possible to download the recorded data in order to         analyze them once the training is completed;     -   receive information sent by a third party, the information being         retransmitted in real time to the surfer by at least one of the         signal device structures.

Advantageously, the device can also include an on-board camera adapted to film the surfer.

Advantageously, the camera is connected to the communicator adapted to transmit the images in real time to a third party.

Advantageously, the camera is also connected to the data storage unit adapted to record and/or store the images from the camera.

Advantageously, the device includes two parts:

-   -   a base intended to be fixed to the surf board by fixing device         or means, and     -   a part which can be detached from the base, the two parts         cooperating together in order to form a watertight assembly.

Some embodiments also relate to a surf board including a real time teaching aid device defined according to any one of the embodiments defined above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Some embodiments will be better understood on reading the following description of exemplary embodiments given as illustrative and non-limiting examples with reference to the drawings among which:

FIG. 1 shows a device according to an embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter fixed to a surf board;

FIG. 2 shows a wave arriving at the surf board shown in FIG. 1 and a frame of reference associated with a surf board.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 1 including a fixed base and a detachable part.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

With reference to FIG. 1 and according to a first general embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter, the real time teaching aid device 1 for a board sport such as surfing includes:

-   -   a set of sensors 5 adapted to measure the position, the speeds         and the accelerations along three axes associated with a surf         board, such as an inertial unit grouping a three-axis         accelerometer, a three-axis gyroscope and a magnetometer;     -   a measured data processing unit 7 adapted to determine a         deterministic dynamic behavioral model of the surf board from         the physical values measured by the sensors;     -   at least one signal 9 adapted to deliver in real time         information relating to a behavioral model to the surfer and/or         to a third party.

This device can be distributed over several locations on the board. Notably, all or part of the signal 9 can be remote with respect to the set of sensors 5 and to the data processing unit 7 whilst being logically connected to them.

According to one embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter, the set of sensors 5 includes position and movement sensors which are intended to identify the interactions between the surf board and the wave. It generally includes a three-axis gyroscope, a three-axis accelerometer and a three-axis magnetometer.

According to another embodiment, this set of sensors can includes a GPS receiver or a GPS receiver combined with another sensor such as a 3D accelerometer. The use of a GPS receiver makes it possible to make the measurement of the position and of the speed of the surf board more accurate and therefore to have a more accurate triggering of the signals.

The device 1 therefore has nine degrees of freedom which make it possible to measure at all or most times the rotations of angles in X, Y and Z (see the reference axes 20 shown in FIG. 2) as well as the corresponding speeds and accelerations about which the board varies.

Thus, a surfer 22 who decides to catch a wave 24 will paddle toward the shore and therefore according to a certain range of angles and angular speeds about the Z axis.

When the wave approaches and begins to pass under the board 3, the latter then tilts according to a range of angles, speeds and angular accelerations about the Y axis.

Finally, the paddling action also provokes a rotation of the board 3 about the X axis.

The data processing unit 7 integrated in the device includes a computing algorithm which determines a deterministic dynamic behavior model of the surf board 3 based on the physical values coming from the sensors 5.

This deterministic dynamic behavior model of the surf board 3 is predefined by a predictive model which takes account of the interaction between the surfer 22 and the surf board 3. This predictive model makes it possible to predict the behavior of the board 3 as a function of the behavior of the surfer.

The information on the deterministic dynamic behavior model of the board is then sent to the surfer 22 and/or to a third party via the signal device 9.

The information relating to the deterministic dynamic behavior model relate to at least one action to be carried out by the surfer.

According to one embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter, this deterministic dynamic behavior model makes it possible to determine the optimum time to start the standing up or take off phase. Thus, the action of the surfer can include or can consist of starting the take off phase.

According to another embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter, this behavior model makes it possible to determine an insufficiency of bearing from the surfer, for example on the front of the board during the surfing phase. In this case, the action of the surfer can include or can consist of modifying his bearing on the front of the board during the surfing phase.

Advantageously, the signal transmitted by the signal device is specific to the nature of the information delivered to the surfer and/or to the third party. By way of example, in the case of a light signal, a color code makes it possible to specify the nature of the information (for example: take off, bad posture, etc.).

According to a first option, one of the signal devices is a sound signal which replaces the one that was originally transmitted by the trainer present on the beach in order to give his guidance.

The associated sound (e.g.: whistle or beep, single or repeated, etc, or a voice message) indicates:

-   -   an action to be carried out by the surfer, like starting the         take off,     -   or a behavior to be corrected, like the position of the surfer         on the board, a lack of speed, etc.,     -   or another indication.

According to a second option, the sound signal can be replaced by or combined with a light signal, such as an LED. The repeated flashing, more or less long, or the color of the latter etc, can then replace or accompany the sound signal in a synchronized or non-synchronized manner.

Advantageously, the device can be mounted at the front of the board so that the latter can be seen by the surfer at the same time as by the trainer.

In an embodiment which has even better performance and is compatible with the general mode, the signal device can include a screen adapted to display information visible by the surfer, of the written messages or videos/diagrams type, indicating the actions to be carried out or even the position of the surf board with respect to the wave, etc.

According to a option compatible with the preceding embodiments, the device includes a unit for the storage of data coming from the sensors 5 and from the data processing unit 7. This makes it possible to use these data at the end of the session.

According to another compatible option of this embodiment, the device includes a communicator which, according to the options usable alone or in combinations, are adapted to:

-   -   transmit the signal received by at least one of the signal         device to a third party such as the trainer;     -   make it possible to access the data stored in the storage unit,         notably make it possible to download the recorded data in order         to analyze them once the training is completed;     -   make it possible for a third party to send information         retransmitted in real time to the surfer by at least one of the         signal device. This can for example be on the screen of the         surfer's device 1, such as information to improve the surfer's         practice, climatic conditions, or other information, or even         sound messages or a light signal corresponding to the nature of         the information to be conveyed (take off, bad position, etc.).

These communicators can be wired, such as a USB socket onto which the surfer would connect once the training is completed in order to retrieve the data of his session.

These communicators can also be wireless, of the Bluetooth type, to make it possible to establish a communication between the surfer and a third party, via messages displayed on the surfer's screen, sound messages or a visual signal, during the training whilst the surfer is on the sea and the trainer is on the shore.

The device according to one of the embodiments described above can also include an on-board camera adapted to film the surfer.

Depending on the options, usable alone or in combination:

-   -   the camera is connected to a storage unit adapted to record and         store the video taken of the surfer so that the latter can view         it after the training session and thus see the points to be         improved;     -   the camera is connected to the communicator adapted to send the         images in real time to a screen so that a third party can view         them, such as the trainer on the beach.

Finally, as can be seen in FIG. 3, the device can include a casing formed of two parts:

-   -   a base 30 intended to be fixed on the surf board by fixing         means, and     -   a part 32 which is detachable from the base.

The base 30 and the detachable part 32 cooperate together in order to form a watertight assembly.

According to one embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter, the detachable part is mounted on the base by simple interlocking and the assembly is made watertight by any appropriate means.

According to one embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter, the detachable part 32 includes a first part and a second part, the two parts forming a housing in which is housed the assembly of electronic components, such as the sensors 5, the processing unit 7, the signal device 9, the storage unit, the communicator 11 and the battery powering the system.

Preferably advantageously, at least one surface of the detachable part is made from a transparent material in order to allow a light signal coming from the signal device to pass through.

The fact of being able to remove the main part 32 of the device makes it possible to facilitate changing the power supply or recharging the device, or again to facilitate access to the data contained in the device such as the parameterization of the algorithms integrated in the processing unit, the videos recorded from the camera, etc.

Some other embodiments also relate to a surf board including a device such as described above.

According to a first embodiment, the device 1 is fixed on an area of the surf board 3 by fixing means such as an adhesive layer. By way of example, the appropriate fixing means (not shown here in the figures) can be an adhesive tape.

According to another embodiment, the board includes a housing in which the device is housed in such a way that the upper part of the device and the surface of the board substantially form a continuous surface. 

1. A real-time teaching aid device for a board sport such as surfing for a person engaging in such a sport, comprising: a set of sensors configured to measure the position, the speeds and the accelerations of a surf board in a Cartesian coordinate system associated with the board, the set of sensors being connected to a measured data processing unit for determining a deterministic dynamic behavior model of the surf board; and at least one signal device configured to provide, in real-time, information relating to the deterministic dynamic behavior model of the board to the person engaging in such a sport and/or to a third party, wherein the signal device is configured to deliver information relating to the deterministic dynamic behavior model concerning at least one action to be undertaken by the surfer, and at least one action to be undertaken by the surfer concerns the optimum time for the surfer to start the take off phase.
 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the signal device includes a sound signal device.
 3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the signal device includes a light signal device visible by the surfer and/or a third party such as the trainer.
 4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the signal device includes a screen configured to display information relating to the dynamic behavior of the surf board and which can be seen by the surfer.
 5. The device according to claim 1, including moreover a data storage unit connected to the set of sensors and to the data processing unit.
 6. The device according to claim 1, including a communicator configured to transmit the signal received by the signal device to a third party such as the trainer.
 7. The device according to claim 6 including moreover a data storage unit connected to the set of sensors and to the data processing unit, wherein the communicator is also configured to allow access to the data stored in a data storage unit.
 8. The device according to claim 6, wherein the communicator is configured to receive information sent by a third party, the information being retransmitted in real time to the surfer by signal device.
 9. The device according to claim 1, including an on-board camera configured to film the surfer.
 10. The device according to claim 9 including a communicator configured to transmit the signal received by the signal device to a third party such as the trainer, wherein the camera is connected to the communicator configured to transmit images in real time to a third party.
 11. The device according to claim 10 including a data storage unit connected to the set of sensors and to the data processing unit, wherein the camera is connected to the data storage unit configured to record and/or store the images from the camera.
 12. The device according to claim 1, the device including a casing formed of two parts: a base intended to be fixed to the surf board by a fixing structure, and a part which can be detached from the base, the two parts cooperating together in order to form a watertight assembly.
 13. A surf board including a real time teaching aid device according to claim
 1. 